DMU class of 2008

[Luluzbello]

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Hey all!!

I was wondering if anyone knew what the advantages and disadvantages are to having the Air force fund you medical education..... vs choosing federal loans??? please advise...

thanx

avi

 

[Luluzbello]

Since everybody has been asking me about Osteopathic medicine.. I thought it will be cool to let people know how and why Osteopathic Medicine is amazing...

I made this webpage... tell me what u all think...

www.wam.umd.edu/~narayana/welcome.html

later all...

avi

 

[kdances]

Originally posted by Luluzbello
Hey all!!

I was wondering if anyone knew what the advantages and disadvantages are to having the Air force fund you medical education..... vs choosing federal loans??? please advise...

thanx

avi

Hi avi

I was accpeted for the scholarship but turned it down. I may have second thoughts but ultimately it was family that swayed my decision. There are any advantages:

1) $$$
2) great residency match rate
3) no malpractice insrance
4) travel
5) leadership/respect
6) possible pension

you have to understand your priorities. I myself was 50-50, in other words i was on the fence. As a wman I decided I didn't not want to be a military mom but many don't mind that. I also determined that there was a possibility that I could not like the miliatry but I would have to be in it til I was 36(since I'll be 25 when I start medical school). Medical students usually love the military becuase they aren't broke! The anwer for me was not clear but I believe that the people that deserve the scholarship and decided to go the military route need to be 100% I was only 50-60% sure.

 

[Luluzbello]

Thanks Kdances... that really helped... I am also not very sure if I want to go the military route... but at the same time, coming out of medical school not "broke" seems so tempting.... also, do u know if one just needs to call the local recruiter and ask for an application or is there one online?? I just want to have all the information in hand before I make a decision.

Thank you

avi

 

[kdances]

Originally posted by Luluzbello
Thanks Kdances... that really helped... I am also not very sure if I want to go the military route... but at the same time, coming out of medical school not "broke" seems so tempting.... also, do u know if one just needs to call the local recruiter and ask for an application or is there one online?? I just want to have all the information in hand before I make a decision.

Thank you

avi

I just called a local recruiter and they put me in touch with the right person. The application isn't electronic and is a little annoying becuase they want many references. You also have to have a miliatry physical which is a big deal to them. They want copies of certain documents as well. The processs isn't too bad but I was in a rush to meet the board deadlines. There was also an interview but it was over the phone and no big deal......bottom line you can only apply if you've been accepted to medical school. If your stats are good and you seem genuine they should accept you. Again it needs to be about more than the $$. The recruiter will sit you down but know that although its a 4year scholarship you will be committed to 4 of active duty AFTER residency(you can do military or civilian) plus 4 years of inactive ready reserve meaning if we have a major war and the draft is reinsituted you may have to go back in the military(highly unlikely becuase that hasn't happend since Vietnam but it's difficult to predict how the world will be in 10 years from now.

 

[Thousandth]

Originally posted by Luluzbello
Hey all!!

I was wondering if anyone knew what the advantages and disadvantages are to having the Air force fund you medical education..... vs choosing federal loans??? please advise...

thanx

avi

I would read the military residency fourm on this site. There are several military docs voicing their opinions. I would not go back in the military based on what they have said and my own experiences. The trade offs are higher than you think. If you are going to do it just for the $$ DON"T. it is not worth it and you can pay off loans.

 

[Luluzbello]

thanx kdances and thousandth... You guys have been of great help... take care you two

 

[dancinjenn]

Ok...did anybody get their FIN AID package in and go...AARRGGHH!

$ 32 190 just for Educational and Tuition

Take that from the $38 500 in Staffords and you are left with 6,310...not enough to live on...but what about Perkins?

The papers said that they want parental info to determine if you are able to get the Perkins. My parents make fairly big bucks + 140 k per year...I mean is there any possible way for me to get Perkins money? Should I even try?

Then I am left with the MedCAP, which is nice with no origination fees...but is that normal.

I feel soooo ...inadequate. I mean, here I am, intelligent enough to get into med school and then I can't understand my finances???

AARRGGHH!!!

 

[luckystar]

Hey Jenn,

The budget they have calculated for you, which would be $48357 for you guys, works out pretty well in terms of the rest of your living expenses and stuff.

You would probably not qualify for the Perkins loan if you are still classified as a dependent on your parents. I know that on FAFSA, if you are a grad/med student, you can choose to apply as independent, but you will still need your parents' info filed on the FAFSA for the Perkins if you are dependent in every other way. That doesn't mean you can't try, but I can tell you that I am pretty sure you wouldn't qualify for it.

The MedCAP loans aren't bad. If your parents can contribute to your budget what the federal loans won't cover, you won't need it at all. If you've got money leftover at the end of your semester, you can pay off some of the interest from the MedCAP loans to avoid capitalization, should you choose to take one out.

It's confusing stuff. I'm glad I only need to deal with it once, then renew everything for the following years.

 

[Thousandth]

Yeah I feel the same way but it is totally normal. If you think about the cost of most private medical schools tuition and living expenses. I mean thats why MEDCaP exists in the first place.

The only question I have for our class is: did everyone get there aceptance letter packet which stated tuition was $26k and then get a financial aid packet that said it was $28k ? If so , why the discrepancy? And yes I will be calling them about it.

 

[dancinjenn]

Mine says : Current but subject to change

Tuition: $26 350
Books etc: $3 898

total: $30 248

Difference from FIN AID package is only $ 1 942

I guess that little "subject to change" did.

 

[luckystar]

They raised it for next year to make it nice and even numbered. How considerate huh 🙄

Apparently they haven't raised tuition in a while and need to keep up with everybody else's inflation rates!

 

[Luluzbello]

yes.. I letter said 26k but the fin aid package said 28k.. I think 28k is the right amount... I don't know why, but I feel like during the interview I heard that we would be getting an updated fin aid information packet.. so I am thinking this 28k is the right one... I also applied for medcap loans($7000)... in addition to the $38500 in federal stafford loans... do u all think that it may not be enough.??? what other options do we have????

avi

 

[luckystar]

28K is the right number for tuition.

Unfortunately, you can't take out more loans than what your budget allots for you, which is $48357 for your class. After the $38500 you can get from federal loans, that means that the most you can take from MedCAP is $9857. If you feel that this still isn't enough for you, you can take out private loans, but you'd have to pay extra attention to their interest rates, payback restrictions, etc. Some will require you to make payments regularly, right after you take the loan out. I'm not familiar with loans outside of the federal ones and MedCAP, but the budget the school has made out for you is quite generous, and the cost of living here is very reasonable. 🙂

 

[RasputinDO]

Hey...hope everybody's doing well. I have a few questions for current or anybody who would like to chime in. I received all of the lovely health forms and financial aid stuff as well. What else should we be expecting between now and Aug.?? Also what are people doing (or planning to do), for health insurance, what's the best option?? Hopefully all the housing stuff will be all set (roomate assistance and such) on April 1. It seems like there is so much to do yet so little at the same time!! Oh well just thought I'd get some opinions/feedback/advice.

Josh

 

[dancinjenn]

Josh

I got the med forms and everything. I am busy trying to figure out the best deal for my medical ins as well. The student plan doesn't look bad for the most part. But...that is if you are a relatively healthy person, it is an 80/20 plan. I unfortunatly have cancer, and the cost of my yearly tests alone would be crazy without full-coverage. So I have to see what is the best option, also I don't want to have to change doctors I have been dealing with. However, that means that my budgeted dollars for insurance have to at least double. ARGH. *hmmm I seem to be saying that alot lately*

But I too am looking forward to the info about housing. I have started a prelim look but it is difficult 'cause I am trying to do it all on the web and not many of the general apartment hunting sites list all the pertinant info.

Does anyone know how I can get my hands on a good county/city road map guide? That way I could atleast cross reference location of school with location of housing and whatnot.

Jenn

 

[luckystar]

I went with the school health insurance, but Jenn is right about that being a good deal only if you're in good health. I still needed to do some bloodwork after I got here for my Hep B series, and I had to pay for that. I can only imagine how much it would add up if you need regular tests. I was considering to look at other plans, but got lazy and never did. I'm sure there are some decent ones out there. What's funny, or not, is that my doctor back home got me started on the 2-shot Hep.A vaccination, but neglected to tell me that those cost more than $100 per shot, and the first one was covered by my dad's insurance, but when I got here and had to get the second one, I had to pay! 😡

I got some good maps and guides from AAA. Just go to their website and there's a place where you can request all sorts of things, for free if you're a member.

The school did send us a welcome package last year with a map and city guide, but it came in May or June, so if you're anxious to look now, AAA is a convenient option. Other than financial aid, make sure your immunizations are up to date, and get the physical forms filled out by your doctor. You will need to get blood tests, so if you've got insurance now, make sure you keep it until you finish everything 😉

I started looking for housing right about this time, and paid a visit with my dad in May, after setting up appointments to see the places. Then I moved in late June, which is really early for most people, but I wanted to settle in. Good things to think about now are if you want a roommate, if you'd like to live within walking distance to school, or further away, if you're going to be bringing pets, etc. This should narrow down the apartments that you look at. I don't know what is up with the roommate selection stuff...I chose to live alone, so I'm not familiar with how things are done. Most people in my class who did go through the roommate match were happy with it.

 

[RasputinDO]

Maybe I'm just being forgetful, but did we get info concerning school sponsored health ins yet??? I do recall them discussing it at the interview, but never seeing any actual info/forms. I've started looking at apartments, but I plan to hopefully start looking at roomate options (as I said in my last post) as soon as we can get that going. Hopefully Fin. Aid will be settled soon too (FAFSA is done at least!!!).

Josh

 

[Luluzbello]

hey all!!

I just filled out my fin aid stuff and sent it in.. seems like I am signing my life away.. hehehe.. but all for a good cause... I am also planning to stick with the health insurance from school.. hopefully, that will be enough.. about housing, I made some calls to two apartment complexes - the imperial and Grand Prix.. seems like many dmu med students live there and are happy.. but they were like, pick the side not facing GRAND AVE.. as traffic can be pretty busy there.... they also said that the apartments do not become available until june as they only require a 30 day notice from their tenants... Does anyone know of any other apartments from walking distance and relatively inexpensive but good????

Avi

 

[RasputinDO]

I will probably stick with the insurance offered through the school, but is there anything we have to do for that. That was more my question. As far as apartments if you go online to aparmetfinder.com and apartmentguide.com there are TONS of apartments 1 and 2 bedrooms all over Des Moines. There's also links to these on the dmu website. I think this has been mentioned before but does anyone know if and when they're going to try and fix the link for the apartment feedback/survey they do at the university??

Josh

 

[luckystar]

Originally posted by Luluzbello
hey all!!

I just filled out my fin aid stuff and sent it in.. seems like I am signing my life away.. hehehe.. but all for a good cause... I am also planning to stick with the health insurance from school.. hopefully, that will be enough.. about housing, I made some calls to two apartment complexes - the imperial and Grand Prix.. seems like many dmu med students live there and are happy.. but they were like, pick the side not facing GRAND AVE.. as traffic can be pretty busy there.... they also said that the apartments do not become available until june as they only require a 30 day notice from their tenants... Does anyone know of any other apartments from walking distance and relatively inexpensive but good????

Avi

I laugh because traffic on Grand is NEVER bad enough to be bothersome. Well...depends on where you're from, I guess.

I'd recommend the Imperial over the Grand Prix, as I live in the Imperial myself. These are the only two places that offer free wireless internet for DMU students at this time (the management company is great). The Grand Prix complex is the kind where your apartment door opens to the outside, and there are no covered parking options. With the Imperial, you have your typical apartment building with hallways and such, and an underground lot if you'd prefer not to be scraping ice off your car in the winter months.

A more expensive option is the 3000 Grand apartments, but is very affordable with a roommate. You get a pool and workout room on site too!

There are a bunch of places along Grand, many which are not listed online. I have no idea when the housing list will be up and running...you might want to give Student Services a gentle nudge to work on that.

For health insurance, I don't remember having to turn in any forms until registration day during orientation. You'll probably get lots of info in the mail, but check the due dates, because many will be after orientation actually starts.

 

[Luluzbello]

thanx luckystar... I am from MD/DC/VA region.. so when they say it is busy, I am thinking of the traffic here.. I guess it is not that bad then.... neways... can't wait to get to Des Moines and settle in and start school....

later all

avi

 

[birdie]

I got into DMU!!!! Yay!!!🙂

 

[luckystar]

Congrats, birdie!

 

[Thousandth]

Originally posted by luckystar
I laugh because traffic on Grand is NEVER bad enough to be bothersome. Well...depends on where you're from, I guess.

I'd recommend the Imperial over the Grand Prix, as I live in the Imperial myself. These are the only two places that offer free wireless internet for DMU students at this time (the management company is great). The Grand Prix complex is the kind where your apartment door opens to the outside, and there are no covered parking options. With the Imperial, you have your typical apartment building with hallways and such, and an underground lot if you'd prefer not to be scraping ice off your car in the winter months.

A more expensive option is the 3000 Grand apartments, but is very affordable with a roommate. You get a pool and workout room on site too!

Hey can you post the info/web-link for the Imperial and the Grand Prix. I haven't come across them in my searching.

Thanks

 

[luckystar]

Originally posted by Thousandth
Hey can you post the info/web-link for the Imperial and the Grand Prix. I haven't come across them in my searching.

Thanks

Yup, the management company can be found at www.venturellc.com
They have a good amount of property available for rent around Des Moines.

Good luck!

 

[Luluzbello]

Could someone please give me advice on the dual degree program. I am thinking about the Masters in Health Care Administration. The summer session starts May I believe. Since I have already been accepted to the D.O., do I still need to fill out an MHA application and send different sets of recommendations and all that?? What about financial Aid???

Any insight would help!!

Thanx

Avi

 

[luckystar]

Originally posted by Luluzbello
Could someone please give me advice on the dual degree program. I am thinking about the Masters in Health Care Administration. The summer session starts May I believe. Since I have already been accepted to the D.O., do I still need to fill out an MHA application and send different sets of recommendations and all that?? What about financial Aid???

Any insight would help!!

Thanx

Avi

Actually, you are advised not to begin coursework for the second degree until January in your first year. That's why you didn't get a whole lot of info about the dual degree program, because they want to make sure you are well-adjusted before you take on additional work.

I'm sure if you have a strong inclination to start this summer, you can call them and ask.

Good luck!

 

[red ruby]

For any current DMU students - what's the 1st year curriculum like? Is there a lot of problem-based learning? I remember when I visited DMU, students were saying that gradually courses are added to your schedule to ease you into your 1st year. Is it true that all of biochemistry is done in only 8 weeks? Sounds pretty intense....

 

[Dr.Dicky]

Originally posted by red ruby
For any current DMU students - what's the 1st year curriculum like? Is there a lot of problem-based learning? I remember when I visited DMU, students were saying that gradually courses are added to your schedule to ease you into your 1st year. Is it true that all of biochemistry is done in only 8 weeks? Sounds pretty intense....

1st year is not that bad.....believe me, biochem is cake compared to the other classes. The note packet is so complete, you don't even have to attend lectures if you so desire. I think the system is set up pretty well. They really don't slam you with too many courses at once, and you usually have 2 or 3 full afternoons off. Just keep up with your studying and you'll do fine.
There are a couple of PBL-based classes, but they are all electives.....otherwise, its very similar teaching styles to undergrad.....hope that helps.....

Rick

 

[Thousandth]

Bump. Just wanted this thread on the front page. hehehehehe!

 

[Docgeorge]

You should Listen to Dr. Dicky, he knows what he's talking about.

 

[dancinjenn]

I agree with Thousandth...we should keep this up front! 😀

 

[Insight]

Hi all!
I just found out via e-mail that I'm accepted for DMU class of 2008!I'm so excited!Unless I get accepted at NSU-COM Des Moines is going to be my home for the next few years!
Just wanted to drop by and say hello to my potential future classmates!
Yipeeeeeeeee I'm in!

 

[EvoDevo]

Hi all!
I just found out via e-mail that I'm accepted for DMU class of 2008!I'm so excited!Unless I get accepted at NSU-COM Des Moines is going to be my home for the next few years!
Just wanted to drop by and say hello to my potential future classmates!
Yipeeeeeeeee I'm in!

Hi Insight! Congratulations. The school is awesome, no?

When did you interview?

 

[Insight]

Hi Insight! Congratulations. The school is awesome, no?

When did you interview?

hi evo,
i interviewed april 1st!yeah..the school is awesome.the best thing that i like is that there is a real sense of student community!it also lookes like they have some fun too!also, this was the first school i got a feeling that i could get through biochem (i've never had that before).i was impressed by the profs!
😍

 

[sether52do]

Hey,

This is Seth Anderson. I was originally attemptdonowdpm, but I didn't want that name any more. My wife and I just bought a townhome to live in during med school and will be moving out of our apartment. It is right on Grand Ave. in West Des Moines about 12 minute commute and is $590/mo with hot water and cable. Everything is newly remodled (carpet, light fixtures, linoleum, cubboards, appliances). Pretty nice for $590 you will find. I don't get anything for pawning it off to anyone, I just thought I'd mention it here. We move out June 31st. Let me know!

Seth

 

[RasputinDO]

Sether check your box....

 

[Insight]

When did you interview?

Hi EvoDevo,
When did u interview?Did you find out yet?
🙂

 

[EvoDevo]

Hi EvoDevo,
When did u interview?Did you find out yet?
🙂

Interviewed last week...and no! I'm on pins and needles....

It took about a week for you, no?

 

[Insight]

Interviewed last week...and no! I'm on pins and needles....

It took about a week for you, no?

Yeah it took them about a week. I interviewed on 04/01 and I got the e-mail on 04/09.

I know it's a terrible feeling to just sit and wait, I ate my way the first weekend when I was hoping to find out the next week...and I gained 4 pounds by monday! 😱 Yes, it is possible to gain that much in 2 days!

Hang in there you'll be fine!
Good Luck! 👍

 

[EvoDevo]

Yeah it took them about a week. I interviewed on 04/01 and I got the e-mail on 04/09.

I know it's a terrible feeling to just sit and wait, I ate my way the first weekend when I was hoping to find out the next week...and I gained 4 pounds by monday! 😱 Yes, it is possible to gain that much in 2 days!

Hang in there you'll be fine!
Good Luck! 👍

Thanks, Insight. Sorry about the weight gain. 😱

 

[luckystar]

Interviewed last week...and no! I'm on pins and needles....

It took about a week for you, no?

Oh no!! I must have forgot! I thought you were gonna be here on the 15th or 16th...Sorry... 😳

 

[EvoDevo]

Oh no!! I must have forgot! I thought you were gonna be here on the 15th or 16th...Sorry... 😳

didn't I tell you? Ah, don't worry about it. 😀 Did I perhaps see you last Thursday? 🙂

 

[luckystar]

didn't I tell you? Ah, don't worry about it. 😀 Did I perhaps see you last Thursday? 🙂

I didn't do any Admissions stuff last week, so probably not. Ah well. Do let us know if you get in and if you will be joining the class of 2008!! 😀

 

[sether52do]

Hey everybody,

I just started working on the new DMU NotePool website. It's here if you want to take a look: http://dmunotepool.sether52.com Not a lot to it but if you'd like to suggest something that needs to be added to it, I'm all ears 🙂

Seth

 

[Insight]

Hey everybody,

I just started working on the new DMU NotePool website. It's here if you want to take a look: http://dmunotepool.sether52.com Not a lot to it but if you'd like to suggest something that needs to be added to it, I'm all ears 🙂

Seth

looks good sether!
nice job!

 

[dancinjenn]

I really like the links page. And I think having the notes laid out by subject and then by date is nice, then people could immediatly access the specific info they need.

"text texty texty" lol 🙂 🙂 🙂

 

[sether52do]

..that's great. Anybody have any ideas for other content to add along the top of the page? I have notes, links, feedback, contact. But can't really think of anything else that would be useful.

 

[EvoDevo]

Anyone from the 8 April interview group hear back yet?

*waits patiently*